Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

The power of asking questions

Year 5 continued to study a text from our tradition found in Pirkei Avot 4:1. Ben Zoma poses four questions and also provides answers to his own questions. In our activity, students were asked to share their own ideas and thoughts to Ben Zoma’s questions, before hearing the response Ben Zoma gave to his own question.

Year 5D students thinking to Ben Zoma’s question:

Year 5N students thinking to Ben Zoma’s question:

In our discussions,  we explored the importance of asking questions and why Ben Zoma recorded his teachings in the form of questions. We realised that by asking questions it promotes curiosity and encourages us to be active in thinking of a response ourselves, rather than waiting passively for an ‘answer’. 

In reflecting on this teaching, students realised that according to Ben Zoma, every person has the capacity to be wise, rich, brave and honoured, if they apply themselves.

A student asked a great question: “Do we have to agree with Ben Zoma’s ideas?”. This provided the opportunity to share an important characteristic of Jewish learning – the Rabbinic tradition of debate, disagreement and multiple interpretations. We can learn from and respect other opinions, without necessarily agreeing with them. 

Original Pirkei Avot text: